The Walls of Sparta

<p><em>The Walls of Sparta</em> is a marvelous new telling of an ancient story that offers fascinating insights into Sparta's martial culture and its use of the <em>agoge</em> the institution that raised young men to be elite warriors often amid the exchange of amorous same-sex experiences. But outside forces encroach even here and the king must consider the threats of Thebes as well as intrigue at home. Agesilaos was Sparta's most famous and most influential ruler. He assumed power at the apex of the city-state’s prosperity and military domination. Eros between men fascinates this king—his own lover puts him on the throne. But the king finds himself tempted by the young men in orbit around the throne from a striking Persian boy to a protégé the most beautiful man of his generation who wages war nude versus awe-struck Thebans. Perhaps the walls of Sparta are not as high as the ones surrounding the king's heart.</p>